Christmas has turned into an interesting time of year. It's amazing how we see it through a child's eyes, full of laughter and bright lights, gifts and Santa Clause, angels and the Baby Jesus.
But, as adults, it seems like this time can be the best or the worst time of year.
When we have families to share it with, it can be quite the celebration. But sometimes, even with families, there is not much joy, as each day is a struggle in one way or another. Having enough for two meals....maybe. Not enough for a gift, or a tree, or decorations. Christmas becomes a time of sadness and grief.
For some who don't have families, or that one special person to share it with, to decorate with, to enjoy a special meal with, it can become a dreaded day, a day filled with longing, and sadness, and loneliness. A day of heartbreak and depression, and sometimes anger, at the feeling of what life has dealt us. We see just another day of being alone.
Maybe this year, as we prepare for our own celebrations, we need to look past our own circle of family and friends, and see the world that others live in. Maybe this year, we need to Give the Gift of Giving.
Maybe it is given with a Hug, a Phone Call, a Christmas Card with some extra cash, a Heartfelt Prayer of Peace and Blessing in their life, a Word of Acknowledgement of letting them know that they are not alone. All it takes is for us to open our eyes and See......
See those who long for something more, some joy, some love....some hope.
For us who are Christians, we know we were given the Best Gift....the Son of God. We see the gifts of the Wise Men who gave their Best to the Baby in the Manger....Emmanuel......God With Us.
For those of other faiths, we can share that Love and Beautiful Spirit that we know.
But most importantly, we need to See.....and Realize that there are so many longing for that day of celebration, that day of not being alone, that day of being loved. We need to find a way to make a difference in their lives. We need to learn how to give The Gift Of Giving......
We need to make it More Than Just Words......but a Gift From Our Heart, Our Soul, Our Life.
We will find that our Greatest Joy comes from, not what we have Received, but what we've Given.
Make a difference today....See.....the world around you......See.....the ones who are hurting........
and Give The Gift of Giving.....
2 comments:
"We will find that our Greatest Joy comes from, not what we have Received, but what we've Given."
Wholeheartedly in agreement.
Since my return from Haiti, my eyes are open even wider. The gifts purchased thus far were for no one that I know and have bought more joy to my spirit than any other Christmas from my past.
I can only GIVE because of what Christ have given me. His love flows through me and therefore, I cannot keep it to myself.
Love and peace for a continuous spirit of Giving...all year!
China
Methinks you've just described The True Meaning of Christmas, my friend. As a child, I actually understood & kept the meaning close to my heart. I don't recall getting a lot of gifts (ever), but what I do remember is that warm feeling one gets when GIVING something meaningful to others.
Even today, I've noticed that those rare times I actually 'get the Xmas spirit' is usually when I'm shopping for someone other than myself, & then, most especially when I'm engaged in WRAPPING gifts. It doesn't matter the cost or whether it will be appreciated, there's just some beautifully unselfish feeling that comes from wrapping & presenting a gift that reminds me of the True Meaning of the Holiday: the giving of one's self to others.
In other words, the three kings had the RIGHT idea.
SJ!
One.
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